My Skellig Michael experience
This has been on my dream visit list for 10 years. And in May 2026 on one of the hottest days of the year I was able to travel by boat* and walk to the top of Sceilig Mhichíl and it was magical, wonderfully soulful and an absolute connection for me to Archangel Michael.
I called in Michael’s strength and protection massively and especially haven watched the ‘mandatory’ safety video a few days before ( it seems only the Irish people on the trip watched it and if you have it’s quite terrifying in expectation of what is to come. When we discussed with others no-one had watched! But it was worth watching before to answers other questions not just about the safety element) Yet the whole trip from arriving at Ballinskellig Pier and back again was so much fun, a great adventure and something I am beyond grateful for I was able to do. We were able to laugh after realising it’s perfectly safe as long as you’re fit and able enough ( my thighs ached for 2 days after so bare in mind your fitness level if you’ve anything planned after also. I was ok but a heat rub came in very handy).
The incline and descent is a steep 620 steps, uneven stone steps with no handrails or safety barriers, these monks sure knew how to connect, build remote and energy filled homes in places of pilgrimage. There’s a short walk up and down from where you begin climbing. The essence of the OPW history talk was about the monastery (no mention of the energy line) yet the entire time I knew my reason for being there which was to connect into a line of energy that all connect to Archangel (or Saint) Michael. Listening to the history talk with my body next to St. Michael’s church, I felt embodied in the whole experience. I was also grateful to get taking to a gorgeous guide who showed me the energy centre that is said to be the start of the energy line of Michael, it is in the heart of the ancient monastery at the top. The blue ray 🩵surrounded us so magnificently throughout the day I was buzzing 💙 The energy felt very strong and there has been a definite more positive shift in energy since then. I completely felt him and his strength and protection and knew in my heart and soul we honouring him there as the monks did before us and others.
I was incredibly lucky to have booked this 6 weeks prior to going. That night I felt elated to be finally going. I dreamt about my stone ancestors also and something felt very significant about heading to the end of Ireland and bringing that energy back North with me as I continue my pilgrimage here. My mála stones were also an intricate part of this journey and this continues. I use stones in my shamanic practices and therapies. They act as tools and energetic sources of power, healing, protection and wisdom for me, they represent the primary elements of nature: earth, water, air, and fire.. I chose them all and work with them often daily. So visiting sacred sites with stone circles, dolmens, communities is to connect to the energies they hold and how they can help me do the work I do, and also to help others. Whilst I was thinking about what I carried I did not bring my entire Mála with me, I choose 2 stones, my lineage and destiny stones to come with me and hold the energy to bring back. Stones are central to the shaman's mesa or mála, a medicine bundle that acts as a portable altar. By laying out and working with the stones, the shaman accesses the spirit guides and ancestral energies needed to perform deep energy work. Bringing these with me were important and come with me in other important journeys and places and sites of sacred stones.
I lost my Skellig Michael oracle card along the way but somehow I feel that whoever needed to find it did, and they’ll connect to the meaning of it all as I feel it and others do for whatever reason they need. I’m hoping one of the lovely guides found it as we cold had stayed and talked to her all day. They live on the island for the summer - 2 weeks on and a week off. I’m sure their pilgrimage would a fascinating story to listen to after a summer there.
Some details you may want to know about if going …
*I booked with Skellig Michael Cruises originally to leave at 9:30am from Portmagee, this will changed to 10:45am from Ballinskellig Pier the day before. You will need a car to get there if you’re not a tour and these are relatively close if they are changed last minute. I believe this was due to a low/high tide situation that they can predict with their knowledge.
The trip cost €140 and I felt it was worth every penny. The boat takes on average 50mins there and back and that experience in itself if fun. I love a boat trip, and the sea completely gorgeous to sail along. You’ll get the gear you need for boat if needed also from the skipper.
We were on the island approximately 2 ½ hours. I’d happily spent hours more there but as the trip depended on the high tide coming in we had to leave. You are given another safety talk at the start to incline. Once there you see how steep it is but that the steps are wide and not that narrow and the biggest obstacle in the climb itself. I do not suffer from vertigo or fear of heights but this may be a factor for some people. When you’re there you get a better sense and the big positive factor is if people meet you coming down they tell you how beautiful it is and how ways that helped them walk down safely, so peer support is much appreciated. And it is beautiful, awe-inspiring and something I’d tell anyone to do whilst that fit and well to. Even if you are not going for the same reasons as myself it’s a stunning connection to breath-taking nature and ancient history. I took 40mins on the incline (others can do in 15-20mins) but I wanted to take it in and rested and chatted along the way. We were very quick in comparison coming down, about 15-20mins and was thankful for my walks and pilates with feeling balanced (even though I was still stiff for 2 days after). We did stop and take pics when safe though this is against the safety video rules but I did only when no-one around and not on an edge. You will find a lot of people videoing etc as they go up and down, so I say look after yourself and make sure you’re safe and let others pass! You are given a short about 10-15mins history talk from a guide in the heart of the monastery. You are able to walk inside the bee huts and see the wonder of how the monks made their home and community.
There are 2 toilets on the island. No where to get water or any food so bring your own depending on needs (if you watch safety video you’ll know). We went on a hot day so my litre went fast and we had a celebratory club orange at the end of our descent. It was so worth carrying it. Wear appropriate footwear with grips and clothes, suncream etc. We had brought rain jackets (the video told us to again) and sure it is Ireland after all.
The cutest bonus are the puffins all over the island. You’ll become obsessed. This was the first I’d seen them and having looked into their spiritual symbolism the the Puffin spirit animal is about finding your way and guiding the ones you love to theirs. They help you to connect with community, joy, fidelity and adaptability. There’s more to say so see how they feel to you or simply love being in their company.
You get a tour around the island and you’ll see other paths the monks created in even more scary places. You also tour around Little Skellig and see all the gannets.
To finish I never leave home without Michael with me. So to visit this elevated place I felt elated and moved. Now to stay fit enough to do again in a few years.